Last month, at Teleton, Mexico’s largest, charity telethon, the Brazilian soccer legend met LAFC founder and president Don Sheppard. Pele applauded the organization’s efforts to help the world’s children and teenagers. By building soccer fields and providing equipment, coaching and other soccer-related resources, LAFC not only helps youth in impoverished areas live healthier lives but draws them to other beneficial programming. “I just want to tell you how we use soccer to help children around the world get better education and resources,” Sheppard said. “Congratulations,” Pele told Sheppard. “Soccer was very important to me.” Sheppard was thrilled to meet Pele, who has been deeply involved in charitable causes since his retirement. “He’s preaching the story of peace and love throughout the world,” Sheppard said. “He represents the epitome of an economically disadvantaged child who’s made it big. He supports education and economically disadvantaged kids; that’s what we’re all about.”